Zen by Z

massage | wellness

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Massage Modalities

Massage therapy increases the body’s resistance to illness and disease and
promotes a longer, healthier, and more vital life. When the body and bioelectrical
energy circulate properly, we have a greater sense of harmony, health, and well-being. The treatments listed below are descriptions of the types of treatments I offer. Please, take a look!

Massage Treatments

Normalization of Soft Tissue

Also known as "Deep Tissue." This modality focuses on the neuromuscular system by implementing deep therapeutic pressure. The imbalances of soft tissues are addressed through systematic and site-specific treatment techniques. This treatment protocol includes Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage, Trigger Point Therapy, Pin and Stretch, Muscle Energy Techniques, and Cross Fiber Friction.

Reduce pain, tension, muscular imbalances, dysfunction

Sports

Sports massage uses a combination of techniques, most of which involve Normalization of Soft Tissue techniques combined with Swedish techniques. Also involved, Sports massage may include hydrotherapy protocols, range of motion/flexibility, stretching and "retraining" muscle memory.

Often Swedish incorporates soft, long and therapeutic strokes. This approach is through gentle vibration, effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement. Often time this includes a focus on the neck, and scalp. It is on the "lighter" side of therapy with a focus on relaxation.

Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on
the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When
these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the
circulation of blood and the body’s life force to ad healing. Acupuncture and
acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while
acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure with the fingers.

Shiatsu is a form of massage in which pressure is applied with the thumbs AND palms, sometimes even feet, along meridians of the body. Also, shiatsu incorporates stretching to balance each organ of the meridian system. It is a form of acupressure but with an emphasis on all levels of the body, especially targeting the immune system.

Reflexology is a form of predefined pressure points that are located on the hands and feet. These pressure points are connected directly through the nervous system and affect the bodily organs and glands. Pressure is applied by the fingers on these points to enhance activity to the organ systems related to them.

Hot stone massage is a relaxation form of therapy in which warmed stones are positioned on parts of the body to maximize the therapeutic benefit by penetrating heat into the muscles. The basalt stones, a type of rock that is rich in iron, retain heat and are used with Swedish massage techniques to draw blood to the surface and relax the system.

This is a modality that I've been doing a lot these past couple of years. This is a hot stone treatment mixed with deep tissue therapy, using hot stones as tools to dig deep into the body. The heat from the stones helps the muscles relax, allowing to manipulate deep into the tissues more effectively. Overly tense muscles can hinder the massage procedure, so if your muscles are extremely tight or stiff, the heated stones may provide the extra relaxation you need for the massage to be beneficial in releasing tension. Available in 100 min or 120 min sessions.

Prenatal Massage focuses on the mother-to-be as she goes through the changes due to pregnancy. Often times, both Swedish and deep tissue techniques are used to release overly tense areas from pregnancy. The use of pillows in a side-lying position is completely safe for the mother and her baby. This type of therapy works as an adjunct to aid in the health and rapid recovery of the mother. The focus of treatment will be dependable on the concerns of each trimester.

Postpartum work is specifically tailored to new mothers. After pregnancy the tissues need to be restored to a normal state and require a focus on areas that have been stressed during the pregnancy, specifically the shoulders, neck, back, and chest. Also, there many be some abdominal tension or soreness and often times requires manual therapy to aid in the healthy recovery of the visceral system after giving birth. Often times, Post Partum work goes well with a Body Wrap, in which I use astringents to help tone the skin and muscles. Also, it's a good way to calm the system from the stresses of having a new born, and rejuvenate yourself into the new mother you have become.

Cranial is a type of energy work that helps to clear the chakras and balance the energy in your body. The focus of the energy work is through the skull. My hands are places underneath your head while you breathe deeply and try to focus on internal healing. When working with the cranium, the most important aspect is connection to the body and breath and bones.

Reduce stress, and anxiety, induce self-healing on all levels-physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually

Body Treatments

Body Scrubs

Body scrubs are an exfoliating treatment of the skin as well as a moisturizing treatment, using all natural and organic salts and creams. The body is first prepped by doing dry brushing on the skins surface to help detoxify the body, and stimulate the flow of lymph, preferably for at least 20 mins. Manual lymph drainage will be applied to the necessary areas of concern. The skin is then ready for exfoliation. After exfoliating, the salt is removed and a moisturizer is then added to the body. Scrubs can also be minimized to only the feet or hands.

Herbal Body Wraps

Body wraps are treatments that I personally associate with Ayurvedic treatment, involving herbal application, essential oils, and hydrotherapy techniques. The wraps begin with a light dry brushing, stimulating the skin, which aids in lymphatic drainage. Next, there is a cleansing aromatic body scrub infused with essential oils for your dosha (kapha, pitta, or vata) along with therapeutic minerals in organic sesame oil to increase blood circulation. After, hot towels are used to rinse the body. Next, an herbal application that correlates to your body by your Ayurvedic element-Air, Ether, Fire, Water, and Earth, will be applied to your skin and you will soak in the natural tea and herbs. Very hot towels will be thrown over the body and you will immediately be wrapped into a mummy with sheets and blankets. While cocooned you will receive a hair and scalp treatment with bhringaraj oil. Lastly, you will be unraveled from your shell, and a healing and restoring cream infused with the same ayurvedic synergy for your dosha will be applied. Other wraps can be specialized to fit your needs, and different herbs can be applied as to what's best for your body. Currently, this is the only wrap I have fully put together, but I am looking to do wraps specifically focused on new mothers, weight loss, skin issues, etc. This treatment must be scheduled for a minimum of 80 minutes to gain the full benefits.

Please also, if you want to mix and match different modalities with different scrubs, and wraps, or want to do "mini" sessions, I am more than willing to work with you! Please write me with questions or concerns or any type of add-on you're looking to do, as I will continue expanding my practice with more treatments.

Visit www.sunnyhazeshop.com under the tab "Services" for help at home! :D